GBTA Legislative Summit

Highlights from the Legislative Summit

The GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit returned this past week after a two-year pandemic hiatus with over 80 attendees coming to Washington D.C. to share GBTA’s stance with legislators about important issues. Attendees took to Capitol Hill for this event that empowers our industry to make our collective voices heard and participate in government issues to foster the future of business travel (with a few surprises along the way).

On Tuesday, Summit attendees heard perspectives from various members of Congress and other policy experts while learning and connecting with industry peers. During an afternoon break in the program, Summit attendees were able to watch live as GBTA’s CEO Suzanne Neufang testified at the Senate Commerce hearing on “Reviving Conventions & Tourism Through International Travel.” She presented five minutes of testimony and took questions from seven Senators. (Watch the full hearing and read Suzanne’s full written comments. )

Wednesday marked a full day of walking Capitol Hill for in-person visits with legislators.* Attendees met one-on-one with their state’s Senators and Representatives to share GBTA’s positions and advocate for policies that support the business travel industry. GBTA’s positions on three issues were presented to US legislators:

End Testing Requirements – April 11 House of Representatives
Decarbonizing Air Travel – SAFS
Faster Act 2022 – Keep the 9/11 Fees for Security
[*Fun fact: Summit attendees from Connecticut had a chance meeting with actor, Matthew McConaughey, who was in the Capitol Hill building at the same time.]

Are you in the U.S. and want to tell your legislators about the need to end COVID-19 testing requirements for vaccinated travelers re-entering the US? Use this link to a pre-filled letter that once completed will be sent electronically to your elected House Representative and both state Senators.